Medications (and drugs, for that matter) have been used to help with psychological symptoms for decades. People have used alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, opioid drugs and other prescriptions as a way to cope with how they feel. This speaks to the desperation that many people experience when they’re dealing with trauma. However, that doesn’t mean that certain medications don’t have their place for traumatized individuals. They do, and they can be valuable tools.
Medications Often Prescribed for the Symptoms of Trauma
There are several drugs that are often prescribed for trauma patients. Many doctors are quick to prescribe drugs like Paxil, Prozac and Effexor, which are categorized as serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs. These drugs have been widely studied, and they can help to make life a bit more manageable. However, they can cause people to feel blunted as well, which is an undesirable effect. In many cases, therapy options like EMDR actually work better than SSRIs ever could.
Drugs that work by blocking the autonomic nervous system can be helpful as well. Medications like Clonidine can reduce hyperarousal and block the effects of adrenaline on the body. This can help people make choices whereas otherwise, they may feel paralyzed.
Finally, benzodiazepines can help people feel calm. However, they can interfere in the processing of traumatic events. Many doctors will give their patients Ativan, Valium and other benzos, but on an as-needed basis. They do have their place, but they can also lead to addiction, which can make trauma symptoms even worse.
Can Prescribed Drugs Cure Trauma?
In short, the answer to this question is no. They cannot. They can only make you feel better for a short period of time, and then you need to take them again. They can be useful when you’re in the beginning stages of recovery. However, they shouldn’t be relied upon as a long-term solution.
The best way to recover from trauma is to learn self-regulation through the proper form of therapy. There have been many studies citing that placebos were just as effective as prescribed medications with trauma clients. This is important to realize for anyone who thinks that the right prescription holds the key to recovery.
Is it possible that you need to take a prescription drug in order to feel better? Yes. However, you should also know that without the right trauma therapy, your recovery is unlikely. It’s always best to begin working with a trauma therapist who can guide you along this journey. Together, you can process the event and work toward your healing.
If you would like to have a conversation about how I can help you, please contact me to make an appointment.
